The voice of the local pro wrestling community Dave Teixeira is up. References community charter that gives municipalities the right to regulate comabt sports. Should be happy about that power. Quotes the injury stats – more deaths in badminton. more serious injuries in cheerleading. Shares with Council his love for cheerleaders however. Makes the correction that in terms of economic IMPACT (makes the distinction from the staff report), it would be about $20 million. Jang asks about copycat cases in the public with wrestling and MMA. Dave talks about protecting the fanbase and their safety. But you need to weed out those that are going to do what they are going to do in terms of mimicry. Meggs asking if wrestling is going up or down? Dave says wrestling in down about 20 per cent so far, directly as a result of the UFC phenomenon. Eating pro wrestling’s lunch, and now UFC is exploding because of masterful promotion. Dave makes good point about bad apples in politics just as there are bad apples in the world of MMA, and so don’t quote individual injuries on isolation.

This latest speaker is ridiculous – says MMA is only sensational violence that is only about the bottom line. It represents toxic values – keep Vancouver UFC free like it is nuclear free. Jang asks this aikido dojo sensei about the violence of other martial arts. Jang says parents should be involved. Yes, but kickboxing and MMA studios cannot get insurance. Are you against karate? No, as long as it is properly administered. So Jang asks, if there is regulation, what is your issue? Intent and intention (aikido is all passive and defensive without competition). MMA is about punishment, and karate and other martial arts are not about violence. Woodsworth is now beaming because she finally found someone to agree with her. Best submission and best knockout purses are questioned. Speaker says it is all about money, and questions statistics from universities like John Tomkins down south who have quantified the low injury rates of MMA. He is speaking out of his ass quite frankly.

Meggs asks about betting and how they protect from fixed fights. Epstein answers that his bosses are in the casino business and are held to the highest legal standards. Meggs asks about amateur sport and financial support. Epstein says they are a very charitable organization, but they don’t get too involved in amateur sports because they don’t want to compromise other. Chow asks about moral standards and UFC’s arguments on fighting. Epstein says that regulation is where they started With the owners of Zuffa being from the gaming business. Morals and ethics are high with their athletes, and they are highly educated. Martial arts backgrounds are based on respect, honour and sportsmanship. Harvey Jones is the next speaker, VP for Northwest Sports (GM Place, CanucksM etc.). They like UFC. They think they are professional. He talks about the economic impact – 500 pary time staff, restaurants,hotels, etc. Many spectators come from outside of the province (up to one quarter. Indemnity is for EVERY event at GM Place…standard fare. We need to act now. Jang question: Canucks game, how different from UFC? Must look at security, alcohol management, crowd composition. Typical insurance for GM Place is $5 million. Louie question: insurance 5 million? That is what GM Place requires from promoter, but they have much more. What is insurer’s rating? Not sure. You use waivers for indemnity? Yes. Minister James Moore here to speak. Minister says federal government is entirely supportive of motion, sanctioning and hosting the event. This UFC event will be another in a 2010 full of global events coming to Vancouver. Moore went to one of the Montreal UFC events and says that all global city hosts have been through this kind of process. But Moore is absolutely gushing about what an opportunity this is. Gives a shoutout to GSP, a Canadian who he says is the biggest star in the world’s fastest growing sport. Moore says there is ABSOLUTELY no legal obstacles from the federal POV. Says pass the motion. Woodsworth asks who invited him. Moore says he invited himself. Woodsworth asks why Bill C-31 delayed. As usual blames it on the opposition. What is their opposition? Moore says ask them, but it has nothing to do with MMA. Deal says thank you for being here. Are you jealous there is no arena big enough in Port Moody? Anton awkwardly tells Moore to come again. Asks is they will woerk with City officials on this issue? Absolutely…cross-jurisdictional and so entirely appropriate. Reimer…Moore said that constituents overwhelmingly support. Reimer asks for polling data. Canada UFC’s biggest market per capita. Compared to arijuana use and Reimer jokingly asks whether they will move forward on that file. Reimer asks about the feds not proceeding on criminal prosecution in Montreal. Moore said feds don’t get involved in RCMP matters. Moore sits down after beating the MMA booster drum the loudest thus far.